Summer Sunset Concert Series starts up next week

Local bluegrass band the Coyote Ridge Bluegrass Wranglers are firing up their fiddles and kicking off the Summer Sunset Concert Series on Thursday in Franklin Park.

The outdoor concerts run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 13.

Here's the remaining schedule:

* July 16 -- Chad Bault (singer-songwriter).

* July 23 -- Danny Vernon as "The Illusion of Elvis" (the King is back).

* July 30 -- Handful of Luvin' (jam band).

* Aug. 6 -- School of Rock: Northwest All-Stars (tribute to Woodstock).

* Aug. 13 -- Wayman Chapman and Larry Knechtel (R&B).

Concertgoers should bring blankets or chairs and are welcome to pack a picnic dinner (but not alcoholic beverages).

For more information on the series, call the Yakima Parks and Recreation Department at 509-575-6020.

Also at the same time and same place, you can catch the ArtsVan for free family fun.

Presented by Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, kids (recommended for ages 2-12) and their folks are invited to make a different art project each week. This summer the projects highlight a certain part of the world or culture.

For more information on ArtsVan Family Nights, call the Allied ArtsCenter at 509-966-0930 or visit www.alliedartsyakima.org.

-- Kim Nowacki